The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1887-05-12

political "machine," having nothing to do with
running it. The number of votes cast at cleo
ton is pitifully small-with good reason, since
it is known that everything is ''cut and drictl'
beforehand and will turn out in any event
according to the will of the dominant party,
| unless prevented by an OverpOwering revolu-
| ton. The masses have no public speakers and
| read no informing journals. Indeed, no organ
ize,i opposition can exist, except in secret, for
opposing journals are invariably suppressed,
and the leaders who would attempt opposition
in the only possible way (by force of arms),
would be shot forthwith as a traitor.
Isn't it surprising what Il vast difference sue
| cess makes in the worlds Judgment of Il mans
actions: Ten years ago Diaz was in active re-
bellion against all established institutions. and
if conquered would undoubtedly have been
executed as 4 traitor of deepest dye. Having
been successful in his ambitions he is a 'patri-
! OF" instead; but let any other man, at this
juncturc. attempt to do what he himself did to
qucnch Lcrdo's secont-term asprations-and
what different story it would he. if DiaZ
could make it so!
Thus far in MeXicOS history all contests for
Office have been mere personal matters, hing
ing not at all upon principles. The government
that of the centre controlling the States, and
these in turn the communities and
counts in what candidates it pleases; and there
Is no data for objections, since nobody can
point to the real number of voters in a given
place. In the United States it is difficult to
comprehend this, especially concerning :: Re
public whose institutions We're patterned after
the same model; but when understood it is
easy to see that there is absolutely no remedy
but rebellion for oppressive domination.
Among present complications in favor of Di;lZ,
scheme is the fact that the controlling "Iber-
al' party is divided into several bitterly oppos-
ing political factions. and the chiefs of these
cliques each prefer to see DiaZ continued in
he presidency rather than the risk Of
rival becoming his slcceSsOr-anu every one Of
the gentlemen now bothered by the bllZZng of
the presidential bee, is a leader Of some ''lber-
az faction. The Catholics also-an element of
great strength. though secondary to the liberal
party-prefcr the administration of Diaz ratll-
cr than to risk another which might be more
vigorously anti-cathOlic, since that it is well
known that the Presidents Young Wife. who
influence, him greatly, is Il devoted follower of
that faith.
One of Gen. Diaz' strongest points is the
possession of unerring judgment in the choice
of those whom he must trust 1t is said he
never makes Il mistake in this regard, even in
war or diplomacy when sending men on dam
@rrou> errand> where extraordinary courage
and Judgment are required. As illustrative of
the mans character. let me tell YOU true
story.
Mexican otlicer,-a brave soldier who
served faithfully under Diaz in the so-call,d
war of reform '-afterWar,ls. (perhaps from
mistaken sense of duty. joined the Empire
of MaNimian. ana by brilliant conduct soon
rose to the command of an Imperial regiment.
During one of the bioodie>t battles of that
memorable Year, lS61.-in which DaZ gained
thr victory by overwhelming nunbcr>--this
officer was captured hy Il lieutenant. He
begged to I've taken to his former chief. that lie
might surrender to him. ID AZ was >ittn" on
his horse, calmly surveying the CORY field when
his former frend-the brave soldier who had
shared his tent on many field of danger Was
brought before him. prisoner. The fallen
officer. rendering his sword with respectful
observance, said ''ro my old chief IS,,rrrmlcr"
i'iaz >icZcd the weapon, and without an in
stan.'s hesitation thrust it through the heart of
the defenscleSs prisoner, saying That is how
treat traitors to their country. caught lighting
against tie Repubc." by many in Mexico
this is regarded rs act OF exalted patriotism,
but TO the unwarlike writer il look, more like
foul and cowardIy murder.
1t is but fair to add that Gen. Diaz. Treatment
oi the French. Austrian and Bel gi;in officers Of
the empire, who could no, come under the ban
of traitors TO the Republic. is said to have been
ma%annoHS, considering the times, and there
are those living in Mexico To-day who affirm
that they owe their lives to his forGcarancc. 1t
will hc remembered that II: the same time
General Bazane had induced the weak En-
peror MaNimian. TO issue Il decree condemn
ing every Mexican taken with any sort of
weapon in his hand to be Immediately shot. lin
pursuance of this barbarou> decree. many a
poor NcNicaH, captured i'm his own field hotin..
corn. was summarily shot, the implement i'll
his hand being considered Il possible ''wcapon."
1t is told with horror how a certain Colonel
Duin-a rulliamly soldier who had been dis
charged from the French army in .Aycr>-wa>
made by BaZaine Il colonel of g,,errill,> in the
state of Vera Cruz: and that he used to >hout
every Mexican he met. whatever he might be
doing. and then hun" their bodies TO trees by
the way>ie. 1t is even asserted that his brutal
band sometimes Itiartere,! the murdered man.
and committed all manner OF atrocities upon
whoever fell into their hands. In view of
these things there is much cNci,>c for those
Mexican officers who Were severe with the
captured ImpcriaistS, and especially with
their own ro,,ntrymen who had joined the III
va,!er.
When these wars We're over, Diaz returned
to his native city, OaNac;, where his townsmen
presented him with Il suburban hacienda called
La Nora. For year or two. like the ancient
Roman. he devoted himself to the pursuits of
hli>ban'lry. and was often with hoe in
hand 1T the head of his workmen.
FANNIE Il. WARD.